Lee Gatton Obituary
Lee was born on November 16, 1929, in Muskingum County, son of the late William L. Gatton and Hazel V. (Lampton) Gatton. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Korean War. Lee was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church and worked at Big Bear/Harts as a store manager for over 35 years, where he retired. He was a volunteer at Bethesda/Genesis Hospital with the transport group and volunteered in the church yard and office. Lee was an avid sports fan and enjoyed gardening and puzzles in his spare time.
He is survived by his 3 children: Mark (Susan) Gatton, Dean (Caryl) Gatton, Timothy (Debora) Gatton; 7 grandsons: Adam (Christina), Andrew (Kim), Nicholas, Matthew, Christopher (Jessica), Alexander (Emily), and Cameron (Abigail); 14 great-grandchildren: Caleb, Stella, Whitney, Madi, Anayah, Adin, Azaryah, Elijah, Atticus, Evangeline, Esme, Jules, and 1 on the way; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Lee is preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Mary C. (Terril) Gatton; son, Kurt Michael Gatton; granddaughter, Pamela Christine Gatton; 2 brothers: Earl (Audrey) Harris, Ray (Laurie) Gatton; 8 sisters: Louise (Everett) Watts, Verna (Orville) Adams, Cleo (Juke) Darby, Doris (Charles) Wilson, Charlene (Smitty) Smitley, Claire (Jake) Stotts, Ruth (Frank) Highnam, and Dorothy (Bob) Steinmetz.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Brookdale Senior Living for the special care given to Lee.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or Genesis Hospice in honor of Lee.
Calling hours will be held on Monday July 7, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home and on Tuesday July 8, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the St. John's Lutheran Church, where services will be held at 11:00 AM with Rev. Mark Combs officiating. Full military honors will be presented by The United States Navy in conjunction with the VFW George Selsam Post 1058. Burial will conclude services at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.
DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook please visit www.delongbakerlanning.com
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Cherri and Bill Shroy
July 10, 2025
Our sympathy to the Gatton family for their loss. I have known and worked with Dean for many years. To know Dean comes with the benefit of knowing Caryl. I also met Tim through ODPS. When Lee closed his eyes for the last time, I am certain his faith and the wonderful family he left behind gave him a blissful peace.
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